My Portable Spirit Farm: Rise of the Humble Servant

Chapter 181: The Pill Problem

It is not that low-level cultivators lack the desire to ascend. It is not that they lack the heart to seek the Dao, nor is it a deficiency in firm conviction or lofty virtue…

It is simply a matter of injustice.

Chen Ping’s eyes flickered with a cold light.

Injustice in resources…

Injustice in background…

Injustice in talent…

Even the most fundamental cultivation techniques represented the greatest injustice of all.

But what could be done about it?

How much could one truly change?

Chen Ping shook his head, offering a bitter, helpless smile to the empty room.

The cultivation realm he had struggled, clawed, and fought for with every ounce of his being might be nothing more than an ant’s achievement in the eyes of those practicing superior techniques—something to be crushed with a casual wave of a hand.

“I must be even more cautious.”

After cultivating the Nine Yin Nine Yang Scripture, Chen Ping had gained a glimpse into the deeper stratifications of the cultivation world. Perhaps, in this world of immortals, there existed a hierarchy of ‘superiors’ and ‘inferiors’ just as rigid as the mortal world’s divide between royalty and commoners.

He pulled his thoughts back to the present.

As the number of opened acupoints increased, he could clearly feel the two Qi cores of Yin and Yang slowly gestating within his Upper Dantian.

Although they had not yet fully formed—requiring all acupoints to be illuminated before they could coalesce—he could already sense their existence and the subtle influence they exerted on the nature of his Qi.

The most direct manifestation was the significant enhancement of his “Spiritual Power Resonance.”

Now, when he actively triggered the Qi in his Middle Dantian to resonate, the power amplification for Fire or Water attribute Arts had increased from a negligible amount to nearly ten percent.

This amplification was substantial. In a battle between evenly matched opponents, it was enough to be the decisive weight on the scales of victory. Moreover, this boost remained extremely concealed, making it a perfect trump card.

Of course, while the improvement in cultivation was a blessing, it highlighted a persistent problem he had faced since the beginning.

It was the issue of Drug Resistance caused by the consumption of Pills.

As Chen Ping’s cultivation reached the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, the efficacy of the Top Grade True Essence Pills he had been taking long-term began to show a noticeable decline. Over the past month, especially after his latest breakthrough, this decline had become severe.

Upon ingestion, the amount of medicinal power his body could convert into Qi was shrinking. His cultivation speed had slowed by more than ten times compared to his peak efficiency.

Although his Whale Swallowing Technique ensured his speed still far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators, the emergence of strong Drug Resistance was ominous news.

It meant that Top Grade True Essence Pills were on the verge of becoming useless to him.

Finding new, higher-level cultivation Pills or an alternative solution was now urgent.

“After the Eight Sects Grand Competition, I must venture out to find new pill formulas and spirit herbs,” Chen Ping noted silently.

…

Ending his Inner Sight, Chen Ping stepped out of the meditation chamber.

Outside the cave abode, the sunlight was gentle and welcoming.

Habitually, he went to greet his parents first.

After a year apart, their complexions were glowing with health. Madam Lin had successfully broken through to the seventh layer of Qi Condensation, her face radiating a satisfied smile. Chen Dashan, though still at the seventh layer, possessed a much thicker and more stable aura; he was not far from the eighth layer.

Chen Ping carefully inquired about their progress, relieving his worries only after confirming their foundations were solid and they hadn’t rushed their advancement. He emphasized once again that the materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill were plentiful, urging the two elders to cultivate with peace of mind and not worry about resources.

Seeing the anticipation for the future in his parents’ eyes warmed Chen Ping’s heart. Protecting this mundane happiness was a driving force behind his relentless pursuit of strength.

Next, he sought out Yuan Jingtian.

This fellow’s cultivation had painfully crawled up to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation. Given the ample supply of Pills Chen Ping had provided, this speed was frankly sluggish.

More than that, Chen Ping could tell at a glance that Yuan Jingtian’s aura was somewhat vain and unstable.

Obviously, Yuan Jingtian had not devoted his full energy to meditation and refining Qi.

Chen Ping’s Divine Sense swept over the workbench, which was cluttered with materials and semi-finished Talismans.

“You…” Chen Ping shook his head helplessly.

Yuan Jingtian chuckled, scratching his head sheepishly. “Boss, you know me. I can’t sit still. Drawing Talismans calms my mind, and… hehe, isn’t this about building up our family assets? Don’t worry, I definitely haven’t neglected cultivation! Look, I’m at the ninth layer of Qi Condensation, aren’t I?”

Chen Ping sighed, knowing persuasion was futile.

People had their own aspirations. That Yuan Jingtian found joy and achievement in the Dao of Talismans wasn’t inherently bad. As long as it didn’t irreparably damage his foundation, Chen Ping would let him be.

He offered a few words of advice regarding the balance of work and rest, then said no more.

Finally, he arrived at the cultivation and alchemy wing shared by the three younger disciples—though they could hardly be called “little ones” anymore.

Wang Lijing, Wang Liqian, and Xiao Feng, seeing Chen Ping emerge from seclusion, excitedly gathered around.

“Master!”

The three bowed respectfully.

Chen Ping’s gaze swept over them, feeling a sense of gratification.

Wang Lijing possessed the highest talent. Now fourteen, the youth stood tall and straight with bright eyes and a heroic bearing; he had already reached the fifth layer of Qi Condensation.

Wang Liqian, also fourteen, had grown into a graceful young woman. Her features were lovely, and her brow carried a hint of spirited stubbornness. Her cultivation sat at the fourth layer of Qi Condensation.

Xiao Feng was the youngest at thirteen, yet he was the most steady and mature of the group. His gaze was resolute, and his cultivation was also at the fourth layer of Qi Condensation—an achievement earned entirely through diligence that far surpassed the norm.

Chen Ping tested their cultivation progress and alchemy skills. Their martial progress was within expectations, with solid foundations, but their advancement in alchemy gave him a pleasant surprise.

All three had steadily stepped across the threshold to become Tier 1 High-grade Alchemists!

When refining the standard Tier 1 “Essence Nourishing Pill,” their Success Rate had stabilized at around forty percent.

This level of proficiency was already considered quite outstanding among the alchemy disciples of the Qingyun Sect.

“Very good.”

Chen Ping offered a rare, approving smile. “The path of alchemy values perseverance; practice makes perfect. With diligent study, you will surely break through to become Tier 2 Alchemists soon!”

Hearing this, the three disciples felt their blood boil with excitement and responded in unison.

Chen Ping nodded with satisfaction. These three finally had some real skill. A large influx of Spirit Stones was just around the corner.

As for his emotional attachment to the disciples…

To be honest, Chen Ping didn’t invest much sentiment in them.

At the end of the day, it was merely a master-disciple relationship. He would nurture them, yes, but whether they could achieve greatness depended entirely on themselves.

If they couldn’t break through to Foundation Establishment and became unable to assist him in gathering the resources he needed… then, to him, these disciples were dispensable.

Returning to his own cave abode, Chen Ping organized his belongings, inspecting his commonly used Pills, Talismans, and Dharma Artifacts.

Once he confirmed everything was in order, his gaze swept over the familiar interior of his home before finally landing on the clear sky outside.

The Eight Sects Grand Competition was imminent.

He had a clear assessment of his current strength. His main cultivation was at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, which should place him in the upper echelon of participating disciples.

However, being too conspicuous was never a good thing.

I should probably conceal my aura to appear as someone at the first layer of Foundation Establishment, he mused.

“Goal: Strive for a mid-to-upper ranking and do my best for the Sect without overextending.”

Chen Ping solidified his strategy. Keeping a low profile to obtain practical benefits while keeping his true trump cards hidden was his modus operandi.

“It’s time to set off.”

Chen Ping took one last look at the Green Mountain cave abode, turned, and transformed into a streak of azure light, shooting into the horizon.